Tjard Schermer

TL;DR: Relevant spirometric indices measured by trained general practice staff were marginally but statistically significantly higher than those measured in pulmonary function laboratories.

TL;DR: This study shows that adherence to a written action plan is associated with a reduction in exacerbation recovery time by prompt treatment, and knowing the factors that are associated with proper and prompt utilisation of an action plan permits healthcare professionals to better focus their self-management support on appropriate patients.

TL;DR: Softening the stringent ATS/ERS criteria could enhance the acceptability rates of spirometry when used in a general practice, and the implications of potential simplifications on the quality of the data and clinical decision making remain to be investigated.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the long term effects of two different modes of disease management (comprehensive self management and routine monitoring) on quality of life (primary objective), frequency and patients’ management of exacerbations, and self efficacy (secondary objectives) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in general practice.

TL;DR: The aim of the present study was to establish the agreement between two recommended definitions of airflow obstruction in symptomatic adults referred for spirometry by their general practitioner, and investigate how rates of breeze obstruction change when pre-bronchodilator instead of post-bronschodillator spirometry is performed.